As today is World Food Day, we decided to have a look at the origins of some of the most famous foods from different countries around the world.
As today is World Food Day, we decided to have a look at the origins of some of the most famous foods from different countries around the world.
Italy: Spaghetti Bolognese
With the earliest dated recipe for a tomato sauce containing meat dating back to the 18th century, Bolognese sauce has been a staple of Italian life for over 300 years. Originating from Imola, a town in Bologna, the sauce originally contained veal fillet, with pancetta, butter, onion and carrots – a far cry from the beef and tomato sauce we are used to today. The sauce is often served with tagliatelle, however in the UK we tend to serve it with spaghetti and cheese.
Spain: Paella
Wales: Welsh Rarebit
Although often mistaken for a meat dish containing rabbit, this is one dish that is meat-free. Instead, the dish consists of toasted bread, covered in a sauce made of melted cheese, or it can also be served fondue style. The first time that the dish can be found is in 1725, and sadly the origin of the dish’s peculiar name is unknown. There are different variations of the dish, with onions, tomato soup, bacon being added – one variation even adds an egg on top, changing the name to a ‘buck rabbit’!
Germany: Bratwurst
With origins dating back as far as 1313, the bratwurst is a sausage, derived from the word ‘brat’ meaning ‘finely chopped meat’. The sausages can be made with a large variety of meat, including pork, beef and veal, and are normally larger than the sausages that we are accustomed to over here. The varieties vary greatly by region, with some lists containing more than 40 different types! They are most often served in a white bread roll and topped with mustard.
Japan: Sushi
Many people don’t like the idea of sushi, due to the fact that one of its ingredients is different types of uncooked fish. Whilst there are vegetarian options available, the most popular types are the ones that contain different types of seafood. Originally, it was developed with fermented rice, and the name it carries today originates from these first flavours: ‘sour-tasting’. The type of sushi that we know today was developed in the 19th century, as an early form of fast food that could be prepared quickly and eaten on the go.
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